Controller VS Mouse & Keyboard
One of the first things I want to talk about here is controller vs mouse and keyboard gaming. No, not console vs PC, or console-vs-console, because that’s a different post entirely. Just how one would control their game, something which can be changed on PC and various consoles (if you have the correct, separate equipment).
Note: I’m not overly familiar with reprogramming keys and buttons myself, so that won’t be a large part of this review. As far as I’m aware, this can be done on any PC and most controllers, but it might depend on the console and/or game. That also requires technological knowledge that isn’t common, and so isn’t as obvious to the casual consumer, which I do think does impact accessibility in itself, since in an ideal world we shouldn’t have to learn extra steps just to be able to play games.
[id: playstation controller and mouse against an orange background, with VS written dramatically between them.]
Controller(s)
Can be used from more comfortable positions, e.g. while laying down in bed.
Only really engages your fingers, so if you have issues with your arms but not your fingers its a lot less painful.
Even if your arms get tired holding up a controller, you can put a pillow or two on your lap and comfortably play while resting on said pillow(s).
If controllers work for you, you can simply plug your controller into your PC for a lot of games.
The thumb is engaged pretty much all the time, so if your thumb causes you issues you’re going to have a rough time, even while using an aid.
Some controllers are better than others, which might lead to a money issue.
If you’re trying to find out which controller works best for you the price is going to rack up, especially if you’re primary a console player.
Even if not, the controller that works best for you might be more expensive than cheaper but less accessible options.
There are controllers designed for accessibility, but they’re often incredibly expensive.
This includes the Xbox accessibility ‘controller’, which starts at $75 but also expects you to own other controllers to plug into it, which simply makes the price go higher and higher.
Engages your fingers a lot less than a controller, so if your issues are largely there and not in your arms it should cause you a lot less pain.
Accessible versions are a lot more widespread and cheaper than controller variants. In fact, a lot of the time you don’t even need to look out for the word ‘accessible’ - erganomic versions work just as well for me, and don’t come with the extra price tag people tend to throw on products made specifically for disability.
You can’t really rest your arms while using a mouse and keyboard, and the mouse specifically requires more movement from your arm and/or write than most controllers, which can lead to a lot of pain and fatigue.
The stretch between keys requires for some games is absolutely obnoxious. I’m surprised it doesn’t hurt able-bodied people.
If mouse and keyboard is better for you, it’s a lot harder (although I do think its possible) to use with a console, which makes a lot of console-exclusive games unavailable (or at least less convenient) to you.
Controller!
Look, I’ll be honest, I played on console long before I really started playing on PC, so I’m more use to controllers and there’s every change that I’m a little biased here.
However, I did actually use to find that keyboard and mouse were better for my chronic pain! As I’ve gotten worse, controller has just ended up being a lot better for me overall. While not always the best for my fingers, the fact that I can lay down (or at least sit on a comfier thing than a desk chair) is so much better for my back and fatigue, and a lot of the pain in my fingers can be counteracted with aids and just simply pacing myself!
